Polarization

Left-right, blue-red, rich-poor. With the U.S. elections over, how can the healing begin?

The U.S. presidential election is mercifully over. The billions of TV ads and robocalls have stopped. By all observations the election was a referendum on two vastly different visions for America – issues of economic growth, taxes, social programs, family values, and foreign policy. Vitriol spewed from both sides of the political aisle. Surveys show that the election had a widespread negative impact on interpersonal relationships, spurring heated arguments among family and friends (often on social networking sites like Facebook, where people don't have the polite restraint of facing one another).

What is the root of this polarization? Whatever happened to the credo – as expressed by the Jewish Sages – that "People of good will can reason together and reach a common conclusion"? What can we do to pull together and really listen to one another, to understand the opposing view, and to find common ground?

Working in harmony does not mean we are all identical.

The first step is to correct a misconception about what it means to be working in harmony. Unity does not mean we are all identical, or even that we agree on how to reach our goals. Rather, unity means respecting each individual and appreciating their unique contribution to the whole. Jewish tradition states there are “70 faces to Torah.” Only the most arrogant among us believe they are the exclusive guardians of truth in every facet.

As one friend wrote on Facebook, "Whoever you voted for, there are 50 million people who voted for the other guy. So maybe they're not all crazy, evil or stupid. Maybe there are two rational ways of sizing up what's beneficial for America."

Rather than encouraging political battles, those who care about our future should be working to build consensus.

Herein lies the litmus test. If someone’s actions are creating discord, that’s probably a sign they’re acting out of self-interest. Whereas someone who builds bridges of understanding is most likely acting out of genuine altruistic concern.

So let’s get to the core of the problem. What is driving this polarization?

I believe the answer is two-fold: Power and Profit.

#1 – Political Power

Political leaders have a vested interest in generating party loyalty, calling for a "toeing the line" that discourages independent thinking and polarizes debate. This is due in part to activist groups like the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, who by nature tend toward more extreme positions than the rest of the population. On top of this is a primary system that forces candidates to appeal to one-half of the electorate – i.e. "play to the base" – thus driving candidates to take more extreme positions than they might truly believe.

With this, we are witnessing the vanishing center of American politics. Ideological separation between Republicans and Democrats is at its highest degree in nearly a century, with party lines accounting for 93 percent of Congressional roll call votes.

Backlash against one centrist signals to other "centrists" to beware.

Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman illustrates the challenge of centrism. As a Democrat, Lieberman took conservative positions on many issues - pro-business, criticizing President Clinton's moral behavior, and even supporting the war in Iraq. His views branded him a party traitor, and his near-banishment from the Democratic party (Lieberman successfully won re-election as an independent) signaled to other "centrists" that they'd better beware.

In recent years, the vast majority of those departing from Congress have come from the moderate wings. Intense ideological battles has made it increasingly difficult to achieve political consensus in Washington, fomenting gridlock and dysfunction in Congress, and making life unbearable for those who genuinely seek to problem-solve.

Our leaders have lost the art of compromise, placing the common good above their quest for domination. This scorched-earth partisan politics keeps us from recognizing potential allies; from using our collective intelligence to innovate creative new solutions; and at the very least, from treating each other like decent human beings. What hope does that bring?

#2 – The Media’s Pursuit of Profit

The second cause of polarization is the news media, which has a vested interest in presenting things in stark black-and-white terms. The media's profit margin – i.e. attracting a large audience – is a direct function of stirring controversy and cynically employing hyperbole that stokes and inflames "hot-button" issues.

My book, David & Goliath, addresses a basic question: Exactly who are the media's customers? On one level, it's the general public. But on a deeper level, the media's customers are commercial advertisers, sold a product called "eyeballs." (That's you and me.) That's why the news media is constantly trying to stir controversy. The more compelling the show, the more eyeballs tune in, the more they can charge advertisers, and the greater profit they reap.

Wouldn’t a more responsible media have clarified the parameters of normative debate?

Consider the issue of abortion. Studies show that most Americans favor a nuanced approach – opposing abortion as a convenient method of birth control, yet favoring abortion when the mother’s physical or mental health is at stake. (Read: Abortion in Jewish Law) Yet in the recent campaign, when two Senatorial candidates suggested that rape is not a reasonable cause for abortion, the news media jumped on this to present the abortion issue polarized in all-or-nothing terms. Such a distortion leaves reasonable people flummoxed. Wouldn’t a more responsible media have identified these as “extremist positions,” while clarifying for voters the parameters of normative debate?

In the early days of television, network news operated on the principle of just-the-facts-journalism (think Walter Cronkite). Consumers all had the same choice of three channels, each moderate and centrist. Yet with today’s vast competition on cable TV, coupled with Internet technology, the world of journalism has become irrevocably altered. With so many choices, media outlets have to compete harder for audience share – boosting the level of sensationalism and driving society into greater segregation of like-minded components.

As one pundit wrote, most of us exist in our own political bubbles. With thousands of channels and websites to choose from, we can cherry-pick information that conforms to what we already believe. We tend to stew in our own juices, without benefit of anyone we know well and with whom we disagree – and this makes it almost impossible for us to understand the other side.

Gene Weingarten, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Washington Post, recounts that as a "hungry young reporter in the 1970s," he thought of himself as "an invincible crusader for truth and justice." Now, he says, the media is in a "frantic, undignified campaign… [for] attracting more 'eyeballs.'"

Finding Solutions

We must do something to reverse this trend.

Probably the most well-known Hebrew word is shalom, peace. Shalom pervades Jewish life – as the theme of endless poems and songs; used as a greeting for both “hello” and ”goodbye”; and the final word of Judaism’s most important prayers.

Everybody wants peace. Yet how do we achieve it?

Here are three strategies:

(1) Stop All Negativity

During the recent campaign, 78 percent of Americans expressed frustration with the fragmented and strident news media, along with the sickening level of shrill and demonizing attack ads.

Judaism has a stop-gap mechanism to prevent this war of words. The Torah enjoins us not speak negatively of others (Leviticus 19:16). Gossip is a verbal atomic bomb that destroys marriages, businesses, friendships. Even if it's true, that doesn't mean it’s right to say it. The world has enough problems. We don’t need to compound things by breeding resentment.

Imagine if our energies were spent working together on areas that transcend partisan politics – energy independence, a healthy economy, a healthy environment, and stopping a nuclear-hungry Iran. Have we forgotten the power of E Pluribus Unum – “Out of many, one” – that appears on all our coins and on the Great Seal of the United States?

(2) Listen Carefully

The two most famous disputants in Talmudic literature are Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. They argued about almost everything and saw the world from nearly opposite perspectives. For example, Beit Hillel says we should light one Chanukah candle the first night, then add one candle each subsequent night. Beit Shammai argues and says to light 8 candles the first night, decreasing one candle each night.

Jewish law follows Beit Hillel, and the Talmud explains why: In the course of disagreement, Beit Shammai would typically state his own opinion, whereas Beit Hillel would first state the opinion of Beit Shammai – and only then state his own position. This way, Beit Hillel demonstrated a concern not just with being right, but seeking the truth that lied somewhere in between. That is why Jewish law follows Beit Hillel.

We need to train ourselves to take other people’s ideas seriously. The rule is: Communicate and discuss, rather than yell-and-proclaim. If you find yourself getting defensive, interrupting and responding impetuously, that’s a sure sign you’ve become entrenched in a position, closed off to rational debate, and stuck in the realm of “Us versus Them.” At the very least, we should respectfully "agree to disagree."

One way to draw closer is to focus on our mutual needs for tolerance, trust, respect and understanding. Until proven otherwise, presume the other side is sincere. Aish’s list of core values declares: "I trust that others have good intentions, and give them the benefit of doubt by proactively seeking to resolve conflicts."

Growing up I had powerful role models: My father and his best friend would get together and – with vehement intensity – argue politics. Yet somehow it only strengthened their kinship and mutual respect. As Thomas Jefferson said: "I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend."

(3) Exposure to the “Other Side”

When it comes to political controversy, it is always beneficial to become exposed to the “other side,” as a way to understand the opposing position.

The Talmud tells of Rebbe Yochanan, a great scholar who for many years had a study partner named Reish Lakish. When Reish Lakish died, Rebbe Yochanan’s students found him a new and brilliant study partner. Yet Rebbe Yochanan became depressed, explaining: “My new study partner is so brilliant that he can cite 24 proofs that I'm correct. But when I studied with Reish Lakish, he showed me 24 proofs that I was wrong. That's what I miss. I don't want someone who will just agree with me; I want a partner who will challenge my position. In this way we will arrive at the truth together.”

The Talmud, in its list of 48 Ways to Wisdom, speaks of Dikduk Chaverim, literally “fine-tuning with friends.” As Rabbi Noah Weinberg always said: "If you persuade me that you're right, I'll join you." With this attitude, we view opposing perspectives not as adversarial, but as a welcome counterbalance to our own. In facilitating a collective intelligence, differences can be assets.

One possible way to achieve this is through programs that encourage creative dialogue. In Israel, initiatives have been launched that bring together diverse groups such as religious and secular, and Arab and Jew. The highest peace, said Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, is peace between opposites.

In America, some have proposed a National Service Program that would force members of the “upper tribe and the lower tribe” to live together, if only for a few years. Hippies working with religious fundamentalists to maintain educational policies friendly to home schooling? Imagine!

Purple Mountains

This polarization is partly an illusion, generated by those seeking profit and power. American society is blessed with large groups of “rich-and-secular” and “poor-and-religious” citizens whose economic interests and socio-spiritual identities make it difficult to be consistently conservative or liberal on all issues.

True, there have been times of genuine polarization. As a young student at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School, I was well aware of the deathly duel fought by two of America's leading politicians: Hamilton, America's first Secretary of the Treasury, against his arch-rival, Vice-President Aaron Burr. 150 years ago, divisions over slavery led to the bloody Civil War. And a half-century ago, the Sixties exploded into heated battles over civil rights and Vietnam, devolving into a shouting match between: "Make love, not war" versus "America, love it or leave it."

Though such periods are the exception, people still tend to overestimate polarization. In times now remembered as cooperative and cordial, people pegged political disagreements as far more vast than they really were.

The same is true today. As Professor John Chambers of the University of Florida observed: "Although we tend to see the world as divided between blue and red, in reality, the world has much greater shades of purple. There is more common ground than we realize."

Yet the danger remains. As politicians and the media highlight the (overstated) homogeneity of each side, this apparent uniformity eventually evolves into actual uniformity by decreasing the exposure of each side to the arguments of the other. We should heed the words of Abraham Lincoln, who knew something about the tragedy of civil discord: "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Together as One

Why do we so easily tend to fall into this false view of being polarized?

Lack of unity stems from a lack of belief in the single unifying purpose to existence. Most people act out of dichotomy: We regard ourselves at the center of the world, yet nurture a deep innate desire to unite and connect with others.

Are we teammates or competitors? It's like the story of two guys on a boat, and one of them is drilling a hole in the bottom. "What are you doing?!" his friend shouts. "Oh, don't worry," replies the other, "I'm only drilling under my own seat."

As Martin Luther King Jr said, we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

One way to get past this is to realize that the distinct units which we call "bodies" are mostly an illusion. On a spiritual level, we are completely united. We intuitively know this to be true. That is how we maintain hope in a better future.

Each of us is one small light, but together we shine bright.

No matter how much we improve ourselves and grow toward our own potential, we cannot change the world by ourselves. Everyone is part of the whole, pieces of an incredible puzzle that together creates a bigger, richer whole. An Israeli folk song says: "Each of us is one small light, but together we shine bright." True, one may be able ram through some legislation and force others to abide by this view. But that is not true change. The only way to achieve unity is through mutual respect.

This is more than just a "nice thing." It is essential to achieving our goals. Dramatic achievement requires solid consensus. When the Jewish people stood at Mount Sinai, they "encamped opposite the mountain" (Exodus 19:2). The Hebrew word for "encamped" (vayichan) appears in the singular form, to emphasize how the entire nation had "a single goal and a singular desire." Any event with such earthshaking consequences could only be possible with unity.

The same is true of our ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Barack Obama, at the climax of his election night speech, made an impassioned call for unity, saying we're not "a collection of red states and blue states," but "an American family, one nation."

We need to start acting like it. It begins with each of us, modeling behavior in our communities, and demanding of elected officials that all parties work together to get the job done.

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About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. In 1997 he became the founding editor of Aish.com, and later the founder and director of the Torah study website, JewishPathways.com.

An expert on media bias, Simmons was the founding editor of HonestReporting.com, building it into a leading database of pro-Israel activists, where his work was cited by the New York Times as effecting sweeping changes in Mideast media coverage. He is the author of the definitive treatment of the topic, David & Goliath: The Explosive Inside Story of Media Bias in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2012), which James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal calls "of crucial importance for the future of the Middle East."

In 2012, Simmons produced the critically-acclaimed short film, "Red Line on Iran," outlining a peaceful solution to stopping nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

Rabbi Simmons currently serves as the Director of Aish Communications, handling all marketing, public relations and media activities for Aish HaTorah International.

Visitor Comments: 63

(41)
bvw,
November 18, 2012 4:03 PM

Where is the engagement?

so to say .. "that "People of good will can reason together and reach a common conclusion"? What can we do to pull together and really listen to one another, to understand the opposing view, and to find common ground?"
Many have spoken, but where is the acknowledgement, where is the engagement? A call to action is followed by no action on the part of the caller? What speaks louder? Understandable grammar or action?

(40)
Anonymous,
November 13, 2012 1:40 AM

Disrespect for the president

This is the first time a president has been shown disrespect.
He was called a "liar"
In a public outburst seen on TV.
Sunuunu a republican stalking dog called him lazy.
These on air comments are malicious,
And clearly come from a distinct segment of the political spectrum.
Throwing blame around only muddies the clarity of the political dynamic.

bvw,
November 13, 2012 3:05 PM

He is a liar.

And your understanding of Presidential history is remarkably weak. Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandson of *that* Ben Franklin ran a newspaper The Philadelphia Aurora that viciously attacked Presidents Washington and Adams. Bache even suggested that Washington had secretly collaborated with the British during the American Revolution. In 1841 President Tyler was burned in effigy outside the White House.
Joe Wilson was right when he spoke out "You lie!" during a speech by Obama. Obama is like those the Psalms describe as having a cunning tongue. Of course you believe him, for his lies are made carefully, smoothly. Yet they are very destructive.

Anonymous,
November 13, 2012 4:47 PM

Telling The TRUTH Is No Shame

Telling the truth about a political figure is no shame and merely because Arab-Americans such as Sunuunu and Isa do so does make what they say any less the truth!

(39)
bruce,
November 13, 2012 1:12 AM

however

As this important and well meaning writing reverberates in my mind i have come back after reading other commentary on other social media. While i am hopeful for the lessons pointed out here, although there may be half the people who voted for another way to achieve an end, i am quite sure that many of the goals are not benevolent and yes how far we have strayed, and how often the means are for an entirely different end.

(38)
bruce,
November 13, 2012 12:34 AM

surprise

I am quite shocked to see comments so reflective of the problem itself. For those who support this divisive approach and even those that support someones interpretation of what they think their own individual God means is any different from the the imposition of subjective rather than objective humanitarian thought. To quote from the lessons of a different teaching, "seek first to understand then to be understood."

(37)
TMay,
November 13, 2012 12:13 AM

Tea Party

The Tea Party are just middle- aged Americans who want fiscal responsibility so that we don't burden the next 500 years of Americans. with debt and interest. They were not racist nor hateful Depicting them as such was just the usual way that the Dems get people to follow them since they don't argue ideas, they label people and Fox as hateful and then dismiss them, Obama is a follower of Saul Alinksy and Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. Obama and the Dems used Alinsky's rule "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." And the use of fraud is OK. You can see Alinsky's rules
http://theunionnews.blogspot.com/2008/10/summary-of-saul-alinskys-rules-for.html
In the same way that Chris Mathews saw the that Romney was a nice man after the concession, speech, the Tea Party are nice people. The MSM are water carriers for Obama. Obama is a Far Leftist and in case you haven't noticed the Left are anti-Semitic and anti-Israel.They prefer an alliance with anti-Israel Muslims over Jews.They don't hold one's birth against one. They adopted Boycott Divest and Sanctions against Israel (BDS).
Burt Prelutsky wrote "Surely something must be terribly wrong with a man who seems to be far more concerned with a Jew building a house in Israel than with Muslims building a nuclear bomb in Iran."
Prelutsky quoted Alexis de Tocqueville’s wise words “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of govt. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations has been 200 years."
Remember the Dem convention vote.
You can go here and download/order pamphlets on the subjects of Alinsky, and on the Muslim Brotherhood etc
http://frontpagemag.com/bookstore/

Davey,
November 13, 2012 8:11 PM

Wise-up

Your language suggests that you are more influenced by Right propaganda than facts. Obama has been remarkably moderate, offering Republicans their own plans and getting rejected. "Rules for Radicals" was a book, not Torah from Sinai. Many educated boomers read it. So? Succession 150 years after the fact? This is about race and hatred, as well as big money interests.

(36)
anonymous,
November 12, 2012 8:21 PM

My husband and I can think of another repsponse to thie campaign and it's result: ALIYAH.
The death of America is underway. The decaying flesh is apparent. If the president were not an evil, evil man, I could agree with this article. Unfortuanely, I cannot agree.
There is no sense in trying to see the other side with a man whom tool our enemy, putin to wait until he is elected for his second term and he'll be able to do so much more for him....oy! Is the writer of this article talking about the US election results or some other election result that i may have missed?
I cannot imagine having the chutzpah to look at the IsraeliPM and tell him to come through the back door of the White House and that if he wants to go to lunch he can eat somewhere else because I am going out with my wife!
This is a man who wants nothing but the demise of Israel and his adopted country to which he is the "ruler."
Obama is not one who is a positive forward thinker and you know what/ Neither are the people who voted for him. They voted for him because they agree with him and his policies.
This country is going down...fast....
If you were talking about logically thinking people I could try, yet it leaves me dumbfounded to think that one could have a positive thought on this.....

Anonymous,
November 13, 2012 4:07 PM

I agree with you in all points
Well done

(35)
Andy Rechtshaffen,
November 12, 2012 6:14 PM

It's so much better in Canada!

I'm a bit embarrassed for my American friends and relatives. Your nation is in obvious decline. Your government is disfunctional and cannot solve your problems. Fifty years from now, Canada will be the stronger nation, due to its better laws and leadership. The United States will be a shadow of the superpower it once was. It's kind of pathetic that people still think the U.S. is the greatest country, when you can't even agree that free health care is good, or that guns are bad. If you don't see this, I suggest you are in denial of the obvious.

Cincinnati,
November 13, 2012 10:43 PM

Clarification

No health care is free. I assume when you mean free health care you mean government sponsored. This is not without cost. As for guns, this is situational. The Constitution of the United State (Second Amendment) - approx 1791 - in a nutshell - gives citizens the right to protect themselves and their property when threatened.

Anonymous,
November 15, 2012 8:20 PM

bad guns

Hmmmm, which small country did Hitler avoid because each head of the household was armed? I think that is true...

(34)
Nathan,
November 12, 2012 6:04 PM

Unsupported assertion

You state "If someone’s actions are creating discord, that’s probably a sign they’re acting out of self-interest. Whereas someone who builds bridges of understanding is most likely acting out of genuine altruistic concern."
How do you know this? What's the basis for this assertion, other than it sounding nice? Only Hashem knows what's in people's hearts.
And how can you talk about unity, getting along using the story of Reish Lakish & Rabbi Yochanan, and omit the fact that Rabbi Yochanan killed Reish Lakish, his brother in law, after Reish Lakish disagreed with him on a subject they were studying?
If omitting facts, making unsupported assertions is the way to peace, give me strife and contention. Torah is truth.

(33)
Raisy,
November 12, 2012 4:11 AM

clear idealogical differences

I'm surprised Rabbi Simmons that you could write this article--it smacks of 'moral equivalencing', something the liberal media engages in when talking of the ongoing violence in the Middle East as if the aggressors and those defending themselves were both equally guilty of engaging in gratuitous violence.
This is a president who has come out in defense of same-sex marriage and other liberal agendas that undermine the basis of a moral, decent civilization. I have yet to hear Obama mention G-d, or His guidance in any of his oratory. Mitt Romney clearly stated that he drew his strength from his belief in G-d. Is there not a time for a G-d fearing Jew to stand with another who professes-and lives-by G-d's laws? There is 'machlokes l'shem shamayim' that endures. That means that those that take on the good fight--for the sake of truth--his argument, his cause, his beliefs--that which he is fighting for will endure. In this case it is for an America that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and has, till now, drawn it's strength therefrom. This is worth fighting for. I recommend Dennis Prager's newest book, "Still the Best Hope: Why the World Needs American Values to Triumph" where he masterfully articulates the twin dangers facing the world today--radical Islamism and liberalism--and thebelief that this blessed country, with it's biblically based values of liberty, tolerance and unity holds the best hope for mankind. As believing Jews, we pray for the ultimate redemption, and until that comes, we pray that this great country serve as our final refuge. This vision is shared by most conservative Republicans. Though many democrats may be well meaning and fine people, I believe they err in their support of liberal ideals.

(32)
David S. Levine,
November 12, 2012 1:40 AM

Tommyrot

The foregoing article is what President Eisenhower called tommyrot!
We of the Right will NOT give up our views nor will the minions of the Left. We do not believe that higher taxes will redeem society but will destroy the economy as they have in the past.
We of the Right support Israel and that simply cannot be said of those on today's Left.
We on the Right oppose homosexual marriage and will not give up that opposition.
We on the Right oppose Islamic terrorism and the same simply cannot be said of those on the Left.
There are timeless truths which, while not appealing in today's climate, remain true no matter what the prevailing sentiment may be. The Left seems to be today's favored food, but as unemployment returns to a permanent condition and more and more young people become frustrated by a post office model for the economy in an internet age things will change again as they did in 1980. The same will be said of Mitt Romney as was said of Barry Goldwater in 1968: He was four years too early. And, as the Left of the media now says of Barry Goldwater, look at how moderate he was compared to the president who will be elected in 2016, and a Republican of the Right WILL be elected in 2016!

aviva,
November 12, 2012 6:57 PM

My dear Mr.Levine, evidently u r not one of the 47% that most of us are. Well, u will just have to accept that "we the people" re-elected President Obama because we believe he walks his talk, tells the truth ( whether we agree or not) shows his tax returns,& did not have a super- wealthy father who was born before him.The man became our President because we trust that he will act in the best interests of all Americans & not just the elite 1% who donot pay their share of the tax & hide their income in offshore banks. As most of us Americans we have put the negitivaty behind us & join together "one nation under G-D" to once again be the.greatest in the free world! Shalom to all

Anonymous,
November 13, 2012 7:11 PM

Do the math

Most are 53% not 47%. 47% means the percentage of people on public assistance of some sort.

MABSH"Y,
November 15, 2012 7:33 PM

Opinions vs Facts

We had the greatest booms in our economy in the past 100 years in the 1950s, when the highest marginal tax rate was 91%. We had our greatest unemployment rate since the Depression in JAn 1983 (11.4), two years into the Reagan administration. All told, Reagan had 11 months where the unemployment rate was at or above 9.8%, the worst Obama had seen.(source, bureaus of labor statistics, http://www.bls.gov/webapps/legacy/cpsatab1.htm So, be careful about stating "facts" without doing research.

(31)
drbill,
November 12, 2012 1:27 AM

Oy vay. HaShem does not want us to be insanely polarized. If you don't understand the message of Rav Shraga, then you need more Torah, Talmud and Mussar; to look into yourself more deeply and discern what is amiss with you. If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem. We cannot pray for our survival and be received when there is this much rigidity and bitterness among us. The Right must try to understand the Left and the Left understand the Right. DAINU!

(30)
Miriam,
November 12, 2012 1:13 AM

Thank You Rabbi Simmons , This is a Fantastic Article !! Toda Raba

Kol Hakavod Rabbi Simmons , Nov. 11, 2012.
Thank You .. I found this article very beneficial for improving my own communication skills and for moving forward for Peace and Healing , politically and in Family issues too !!
Shalom,
Miriam

(29)
Mitch,
November 12, 2012 12:34 AM

Yes!

Dear Rabbi Simmons,
I love your article. You point a way towards a more peaceful world.

(28)
Ron Incredulous,
November 11, 2012 11:53 PM

The author seems rather naive

There are real issues that divide the parties. Aside from fiscal responsibility or lack thereof, there are serious moral and world-outlook differences between the parties. One is pro-Israel, one is becoming anti-Israel. One favors responsibility for one's self, the other favors government handouts. Abortion as birth control vs. abortion for necessity. Gay marriage vs. marriage between man and woman. Being supportive of foreign allies vs. being dismissive of them. The issues are so clear I'm surprised the author has not noticed.

(27)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 11:17 PM

Excellent and thoughtful

How sad that some people, as evidenced by some of the comments here, just don't get it.

(26)
Benjamin,
November 11, 2012 10:10 PM

Why there is no agreement

Our elected officials reflect what each American uses as a value system. On one side you have noise that is supposed to be music that glorifies violence towards women, drug consumption and no respect for any authority figures. Other values include no respect for elders, cheating is ok and cursing as a method of daily communication. I am talking about the left. This nation has slowly gone off the deep end. Obama is now leading that side of the fence. Obama was edcuated in a radical midrassah in Indonesia. Obama's best friend is Bill Ayers a doemstic terrorist. Ayers and Obama both attended a PLO fund raiser. Obama belongs to a church that is anti American and anti Israel. Obama knew of the plot to kill Americans in Bengazi. The US was warned by the British intelligence and did nothing a week before the murder of Americans in Libiya. The Brits pulled their people out of harms way. Our leaders reflect us. Obama stands for nothing I believe in. He wants to see this great country to fall. He is making our military weak when we are up againest and enemy that sworn to totally destroy the west no matter what the cost. The worst relations between the US and Israel exists now because of Obama. He lies about his concern for the state of Israel. He could care less. In less than four years Iran will have nukes ready to launch. The mad man that runs Iran has sworn that the first target will be Israel, then NATO then the USA. Israel will go it alone thanks to Obama. This could mean the worst possible.
I want nothing to do with anyone that voted for Obama.
He has a myoptic following much like an ant colony follwing a pheromone trail. He does not fool me for one minute. Obama and his followers are destroying this nation slowly but surely. Stand up for what is right. Write to your elected officlials and refuse Obama care in your state. Support Israel again by writing to your elected officials and have more economic ties to Israel in your state. Most of all pray to HeShem to help us

(25)
Marilyn Stein,
November 11, 2012 9:44 PM

May HaShem help us all!

Sorry but when I read where you put on the same level the Tea Party with Occupy Wall Street by saying: "activist groups like the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, who by nature tend toward more extreme positions"...I could not go any further with reading whatever you had to say. Did you ever hear of it being a sin to speak "Loshen Hora" to make a point? How you could 'equate' these two groups...by labeling the Tea Party as such was totally uncalled for...sounds to me that 'you' were searching for 'words'...any words to appeal to each side...just to shake us all up. I have been shook up enough with the personal attacks I took for months with attempting to express my reason(s) for my stand...and my 'main' reason was that after hearing Obama say to Mendev when Mendev was 'attacking' Bibi.."Wait until the election is over, then I will have more flexibilty'...I did take notice that you listed 'foreign affairs' as the last in the list of what the people based their vote upon...we must understand that 'where' Israel goes...ever Jew in the Diaspora goes..even if I talked about the 'weather'...I was 'attacked' personally as making a 'political' statement. Ok 50 million as 'you' say...got what they wanted. This past Shabbat, in the synagogue foyer..there was my friend of 43 years 'celebrating' and her 'main' reason for voting as she did is 'contraception' is a woman's right. . When I asked her what was more important to her, Israel or Roe v. Wade she told me: I live here, I'm an American and Roe v. Wade is more important to me. These are the Jews? the people you want me to 'get together with'? May HaShem help us all!

Rachel,
November 12, 2012 12:01 PM

Thank you, Marilyn, you're not alone

I agree with you completely. Tea Party members are not extremists for wanting to shrink the long intrusive reach of government. And how pathetic that our people, with our low birth rate and over 50% assimilation rate, less than 70 years after the Holocaust, which took more than one million Jewish children, think that abortion on demand is the most important issue out there.
There is no peace with people who call us racist, homophobes, planet-killing, Islamophobes, granny-killers, and whoop up a phony "war against women". People who malign others this way are not decent.

(24)
Gretchen, Cincinnati,
November 11, 2012 9:24 PM

Compromise an Illusion

The U.S. is doomed unless enough Jews actively play a role to elect another agenda in the mid-terms and next presidential election. Jews are the "Chosen People" and have the ability to lead the world to peace and justice. Unfortunately, they have chosen BHO and elected him for a second term. Without Jewish support at such high levels (as well as campaigning Jewish celebrities) we would have another president now. There is a huge denial (even on this web site) of Obama's intensions for Jews and freedom in general. As Lenin said - we will hang Jews with the rope they sold us. You still don't believe? - What about all Jews walking in to the gas chamber thinking they were getting a "shower"? This is not ancient history. There are living people who remember. As for now, one vote is not enough. Jews who understand the evil in the world must take an active role in educating those around them.

(23)
Charles Short,
November 11, 2012 9:16 PM

Red and Blue, but what about Green or Yellow?

Great article, but why do we leave out part of the spectrum.
Rule number 13: Two passages that contradict one another cannot be resolved until there comes a third passage and reconciles between them. - Rabbi Ishmael.
Harmonizing the political colors is my objective with a new ysenate.org project. I would love your feedback.

(22)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 9:09 PM

First end sinas chinom/baseless hatred among ourselves

Interesting, I think, that so much of the political fragmentation the writer bemoans is so heartbreakingly reflected in the sad resurgence of sinas chinom/baseless hatred that increasingly pervades and perverts the Jewish world today. Our sages taught that it was this turning on ourselves that brought down the Second Temple -- yet more than two millenia later, from charedim to secular and everything in between, we seem to have not learned our lesson. As a side note, it is interesting that in citing the increasing erosion of centrism in national politics, the writer cites the example of Lieberman but not the mirror image cast by the late Sen. Arlen Specter, who felt himself driven from the Republican Party by ultra-conservative extremism. To heal these rifts will require efforts from all sides.

(21)
mysteries,
November 11, 2012 9:07 PM

The symbolism of the two parties to respect the qualites of animals is lovely. There are many other symbols, tokens, totems etc. to be found by the seeker. Party officials and party supporters should engage themselves in this pursuit as a hobby of obeisance to the path they follow. The tea party should first involve themselves in tea ceremony cultures. They should also follow and observe more American Indian dress and ritual in a reinactment of the past and they should inaugurate a stone circle and take on rituals Bostonian like. Take on Wall St. are a pressure group who work within the system to make aware about finance and business practices for the ordinary folk.

(20)
B Sloan,
November 11, 2012 9:05 PM

Thank you, Rabbi Simmons

I think that it will be difficult right now for the country to come together and work together as quickly as we might like. A pastor friend told me today that when he asked his congregation to come up and pray for President Obama and give up fear and anger to G-d only about half responded. He is worried now about that. And we should worry. Polarization gets us nowhere, but it takes effort to give up one's ego and work with others. I hope it happens soon.

(19)
Jean,
November 11, 2012 8:10 PM

well-thought out commentary

Although I was disappointed in the result of the election, I agree with you that the way forward is to stop viewing politics as a boxing match -- cheering for our boxer and wanting a knockout -- and realizing we'll be much better off if we realize we're on the same team. Thanks for the practical doable suggestions. Gei veiter!

(18)
richard,
November 11, 2012 7:37 PM

Oiy

Rabbi Wrote:
This is due in part to activist groups like the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, who by nature tend toward more extreme positions than the rest of the population.
Dear Rabbi,
The minute you claimed a moral equivalence between the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, with all due respect, I realized your lack of knowledge and stopped reading, Mazel Tov.! You just caused more harm than good. I am shamed of so many of my fellow Jews. It really hurts because I expect MORE from Jews.

(17)
Judy,
November 11, 2012 7:01 PM

It is possible to agree to disagree

It is possible for people of goodwill to disagree with each other without either side being evil or unethical. The problem with political discussion in general, and political ads in particular (which thankfully, we should now no longer need to be subjected to) is that they so often focus on ad hominem argumentation - attacking opponents/those who disagree with us rather than discussing specific issues. They say "Two Jews, three opinions." Perhaps we need to focus on two more salient and important sayings: "אילו ואילו דברי אלוקים חיים
" and "כל ישראל עריבים זה בזה."

(16)
Judy,
November 11, 2012 6:51 PM

wish it was so easy

Really nice concepts in this article that would apply if both sides were playing by the rules, but when we have the situation we're now faced with where rules are no longer respected and truth seems to have lost it's value, I'm afraid we're too far down the road. Nice that our new "Emporer" B.H.O. is asking for unity, but to unify under his command might actually be suicidal......( I believe that he HAS TAKEN COMMAND and our constitutional democracy is nothing but a joke to him and the powers that brought him to us) I agree with Darren, shame on American Jewry for turning their backs on Israel and leading the way to our return to "dhimmie" status. We were finally empowered after the Holocaust, but have obviously chosen to turn that power over to our enemies. G-d help us!

Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 8:59 PM

Your comments prove as divisive as the article tries to untie for us

Wow, so much for any attempt at understanding. Blame, finger pointing, re-writing truth, we can all unite only when minds are open. Like a parachute, being closed doesn't work. I hope you'll re-read this piece and take it to heart. As Jews, we need to understand that Israel is paramount to both parties, period. This opinion lacks nuance and awareness that all these opinions might 100% right. I love America, Israel and democracy and stand behind our President. We don't agree with everything but we are all Americans seeking the best possible civil society for every one of its citizens.

(15)
ruth housman,
November 11, 2012 6:49 PM

Red, and, Blue

These identification colors have changed if you read the history of red for Democrats and Blue for Republicans. I want to say, together, red and blue crayons, make for purple, the Royal Color, and maybe this is significant in talking about hues and yous, politically and otherwise. I am following a language-based story and gifted seeing, something both new and old, about words, and having words, puzzles and "cross" word, puzzles. It all does cohere, and maybe one day people will actually read and think also about my writings, because I have invested heart and soul in writing down the lines. A gift is to be shared. As music needs to reach us all. And I do follow, the lieder.
I happen to LOVE elephants, and so it's a not impossible conundrum to ask about Republicans and Democrats in a personal context. But donkeys are stubborn, and maybe this characterizes me, too, because I could have given up, for invisibility these long years of writing down the lines.
This is a beautiful article which does say it, all, in your own words. There is no other, and other WISE, is what we need to be, in forming judgments and in listening to each other, and we should move together to form a bridge across all Troubled Waters, because diversity IS the key, and we do learn from each "other" or should. SHALL OM, friends at Aish and beyond.
Maybe it's also, about time. If not now, then, when?

David S. Levine,
November 12, 2012 1:44 AM

Another Media Distortion

The media, by its color scheme, has done to politics what Barney Frank has done to sexuality. Red was the traditional color of the left and blue the color of the right. Yet the media has given its Party the patriotic color and saddled our Party with the color it has fought for the centuries. Another reason the media can't be believed.

(14)
Abraham,
November 11, 2012 6:45 PM

Fortunately, history re-teaches lessons that we seem to forget.

People must study the past in order to understand the present and study the Prophets who present the consequences of wrong decisions. A great article that gives extreme insight into the current world' Abraham Seiman

(13)
Yakov,
November 11, 2012 6:36 PM

You do not know what socialism is.UNfortunately...

Why American Jews vote for democrats.

message on a necklace,
November 12, 2012 12:23 PM

liberalism/leftism is their religion, not the Torah

Because they have given up the Torah for Leftist nonsense.
Americas leftist Jews must look at Europe - Thats Americas future.
Shame on American jewry for choosing Obama who is anti-Israel over Romney who is Pro-Israel
Shame on American Jewry for supporting the party that removed "God" from its platform and reference to Jerusalam as capital of Israel

(12)
Rosen,
November 11, 2012 6:05 PM

speaking lashan hara of the US President

Isn't it lashan hara to speak of Obama as "Muslim" while he has been CHRISTIAN all of his life and "hates Israel" while several Israeli leaders has called his overall support of Israel as UNPRECEDENTED?

Judy,
November 11, 2012 6:54 PM

Lashon Hara often depends on your point

That would depend on whether you think being a Muslim is in and of itself something bad. I suspect that those who call the current president a Muslim think exactly that.

(11)
Frank Champagne,
November 11, 2012 6:04 PM

"Truth" vs reality

In political arguments we often speak of "truth." We use this word to either bolster our position or denigrate the opposition. But "truth" has often little to do with the subject and is often indefinable. But there are FACTS that must be recognized and we must base our decisions on real world facts rather than ideological beliefs.
You used the Tea Party as an example of "extremism" yet nothing could be further from the truth! The Tea Party is not a political party, it is a movement based on common sense facts and a belief that the founders had their facts straight as opposed to people like Karl Marx who propagated an ideology founded in envy, bias and theft.
The fact is that no one and no company or other entity can live on debt. We all know this. We all live within our means or we go under. Yet, some think that the govt. is somehow exempt from the laws of nature and can make something from nothing. And history is jammed with other wrecked nations and civilizations who fell into the same trap.
So all political discourse must be fact based. What is possible? What are the short and long term consequences? Are we helping or enabling? Will this uplift the people and the nation, or will it lead to ruin? These are vital questions that require us to set aside ideologies and resolve to make decisions that might be tough, might not be popular here and now but that further tikkun olam, let us leave this world a better place. Political parties are not the answer. Professional politicians are mostly
like the rest of us and try to hang onto their jobs. It is our duty as citizens to examine their actions, not their words, but their actions and either rehire them or fire them.

(10)
Marion,
November 11, 2012 5:37 PM

Agree!

Thank you so much for this article. Please ignore the other letter writers who feel that their position is the only one. This election and politics in the USA are not only about Israel. It is also about policies here. I wanted to add that Richard Lugar was also to centrist for the Republicans. Also, the comments of the two Republicans on rape and abortion were inappropriate in that they minimized the horror of rape. Many people who do not like the idea of abortion as birth control do accept it in the case of rape and incest (which is essentially rape) as reflecting on the mental health of the mother. I have friends who are more liberal and others that are more conservative than I am. I feel I am always trying to explain one side to the other. Please continue to support this perspective.

Marilyn Stein,
November 13, 2012 1:59 AM

Here it comes out loudly and clearly...IN ONE SENTENCE

Rabbi I will 'assume' you wrote your article with all good intentions...with wanting to make 'Shalom'...but did you read this letter by Marion...THIS ONE SENTENCE TELLS IT ALL. I am quoting: "This election and politics in the USA are not only about Israel." IS THAT SO? Well for me IT WAS 'THE' ISSUE.This is exactly how 100 percent of those Jews that voted for Obama think and this is exactly why I am asking you, Rabbi: Are these the people you want me to come together with? What? is there to discuss with a person with such an attitude? It doesn't matter at all what any Jew in the Disapora...for that matter in Israel ...thinks about Israel...Israel is synonymous with J E W and J E W IS ISRAEL. The reality is that Israel DOES NEED the USA TO BACK THEM..whether they want it/ whether they don't admit it...Israel MUST have this...the USA backing MUST BE THERE. No matter how one looks upon this land/ country...since it is 'already' in existance and to the 'entire' world is looked upon as a JEWISH State...where 'it' goes...that is where every JEW...even those that deny it...with this" Marion Attitude" of saying there are 'other' issues at hand.. WHERE ISRAEL 'GOES'..THAT IS WHERE EACH AND EVERY JEW WILL GO!!! And if Marion and others think that Obama care/taxing the rich/ contraception..I see she is pushing this in here about the rape etc..so I assume that was 'most' important' to her..and I am not disagreeing or finding fault...I am just screaming out...and excuse me for the caps...but I am already a basket case over what took place here...but Rabbi as I asked you in my e mail previously...#25...I am asking you Rabbi...do you see that one sentence above? Do you want me to 'come together' with a person who is taking the stand that Israel was not the 'only' issue? and brings up 'policies'.This President has made it very clear what he will do 'if' re elected with the State of Israel...and so it is all coming...May HaShem help us all!

(9)
theo musikanth,
November 11, 2012 5:27 PM

Obama - Jews how could you ?

I am in total accord with Darren
Seven out of every ten Jews voted for Obama I find this disgraceful This is the man who said Israel should return to 1967 borders He is unashamedly pro Muslim His treatment of Netanyahu has been insulting and crude There is no appreciation of a steadfast ally in an unstable area where America has vital interests. In his second term - without the restraint of having to fight re election - he will give further free reign to his pro Arab views It is totally out of character for Obama to confront Iran when the time arrives to do so. He will not want to be seen on Israel's side and will leave Israel to do his dirty work for him Only for Israel it is a matter of life or death Who is Obama to care ? He will unashamedly claim credit even for this cowardice
This is the man you support Shame om you !
No wonder Putin ( and I am sure Achmadinejehad ) hoped for his re election
Whatever foreign policy decisions Obama has made have backfired : whether in Egypt ,in Iran ( not supporting the opposition in their uprising ) In Syria where is America's authoritative voice ? And now even in Libya where your ambassador was first humiliated and then murdered Humiliating your man means humiliating you And you accept that ? What has happened to the meaning of honor - not to mention prestige and respect Those who so blindly enabled this man will in heaven's good time see that the emperor has no clothes The question is will they have the good sense to realize this when it is starkly thrust before them ?

Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 6:52 PM

agree

could not agree with your comments more. Obama won by approximately 1% of the popular vote.
Healing can only begin when one acknowledges a disease. Entitlement is a disease. Burying one's head is a disease.

Nigel,
November 11, 2012 11:23 PM

A challenge...

From one of the "disgraceful" Jews...remember a house divided cannot stand. Remember also to pray that every one of you prognostications and predictions is wrong. And finally...I challenge you to watch only network news for a week. No Fox. No CNN. No MSNBC. See if the world doesn't suddenly seem like a place where most people pray for hope and don't look for reasons to condemn it.

(8)
bvw,
November 11, 2012 5:10 PM

More like Rabbi Akiva vs Tineus Rufus

Than Hillel v Shammai, imo.
Comparing the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street is itself extremist. The Tea Party is not extremist, but it is orderly, polite and respectful. It is inclusive of all, the joining measure is a desire for less government, less spending, less burdening regulation, and far more adherence to the rule of law and the Constitution. Massive Tea Party rallies have been held, they are orderly, the site is cleaner after than before. The people of the Tea Party are self-responsible and care for the benefit and dignity of each other. The Tea Party can perhaps be summarized as "responsible sane and polite adults". Up to 1/3rd of all Americans either consider themselves part of the Tea Party, or look at it's ideals very favorably.
And what do we see of "occupy wall street"? THey hold camp outs that are plagues to the neighborhoods, they have little order, they have inside of of those camps radical divisions of inner and outer, rapes, riot, indignities of various sorts. OWS is tiny, few belong to it, but those few are the attention-seekers, the loud, the selfish, the self-centered.
Walter Cronkite can only be viewed as "just the facts" by the exceedingly limited access to "news" in his era. He was a master propagandist, so many of us have discovered as we turn over and over the telling of the historical record, reviewing it in perspective.

B,
November 11, 2012 9:01 PM

Tea Party is extreme

I just have to say that the Tea Party is one of the most extreme movements I've seen in my lifetime. They rival in the KKK except that they don't cover their faces.

bvw,
November 12, 2012 5:59 PM

If there is a "center" the Tea Party is that center.

A "centered" personality is a sane, able, stable personality. A personality that enjoys positively of people, and of persons, of seeing the beauty and good in things, in this marvel filled creation and continuance of existence. Baruch Hashem. A good eye, a good heart.

(7)
Harry Pearle,
November 11, 2012 4:51 PM

For Growth: Link Education/Economy (see: EconomyWiseUp.com)

Dear Rabbi Simmons, much thanks for your analysis, but I think you are leaving out one thing. Many of our problems do not seem to have obvious solutions.............Take the growth of the economy in the US and around the world. We can't seem to figure out how to improve it. So, we keep arguing and pretending that we have the answer...........Please take a look at my blog: ECONOMYWISEUP.com . For three years now, I have been pushing the idea in the US, that we must link education and economy to the max. In Judaism, we are supposed to learn, every day, for life. But in society, most people reduce their learning and training sharply when they leave school. Thus, society is DUMBING DOWN. Technology advances and we do not wise up to it. We have the means to continue our learning, for life, with books and the internet, but we tend to waste our free time with media, cellphones, etc.............So, let me suggest that you look at my blog and further consider how Aish.com might seriously address the problem of economy growth...........On the blog, post 9, I quote from Isaiah 33.6: (WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE Shall be the Stability of Thy Time). Much thanks / Shalom

(6)
Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 4:09 PM

Not this election

The writer here seems to have the same problem like half the country. This election is about the survival of the future of the United States! If we don't stop spending money on free stuff for people that don't wont to work ,we are done as a nation. Don't you get it? Why are you so uninformed?

Gretchen, Cincinnati,
November 11, 2012 6:49 PM

Agree

Most people don't get it,even smart ones. "Repair the world" needs workers, not free loaders. We are doomed.

Anonymous,
November 11, 2012 9:03 PM

most want to work

In my many years as a social worker, I found very few healthy people on welfare who did not want to work. Those who believe otherwise generally do not know these people and make assumptions, just as assumptions are made about Jews.

Anonymous,
November 12, 2012 6:07 PM

A person has many powerful "wants" they compete strongly ...

What is strength? Who is the strongest? Of course everyone (excepting the rarest) wants to work, wants do do meaningful things, to earn one's keep, to be productive and rewarded on merit, not as a giveaway. Charity should never be demeaning, never take the spirit to work away from person. The impulse to be lazy is ALSO a potent urge. Work, jobs, seeking work, performing well on a job these are discomforting things -- when one is on the dole, becomes comfortable in indolence, even a cheap comfort -- it is HARD to step out and take on the challenges of labor, of work, of having to take effort and risk to earn a keep.

(5)
Know the enemy,
November 11, 2012 4:01 PM

Eh?

Nope, sorry. I suspect that the fracture in the nation state, is so bad, that now we have the real start of balkanization of the US. I voted Romney, knowing that the vast majority of the Jew haters dwell under the big tent of the BO party. Guess what tataleh's? Not all the hateful people are whites! So, I am guessing that we will have a split in the US continent that will force us and our children in to separate lives, different nations. I bring up race as being the chief feature of the last election-Newspeople call it "demographics" so as not to offend.

(4)
mgoldberg,
November 11, 2012 3:50 PM

Just the facts?

Uncle Walter, was a one worlder, a person who believed in the utopian idea without ever understanding what such as De Tocqueville and so many others wrote about the federal republic of the US being the first and only working democracy. We now have a more and more fake democracy. A state that
has a socialist president, kowtowing to Islam, erasing persoanl and national liberty, just as Walter thought was likely best.
Just the facts?.... please, we don't and shouldn't get along.
That is not the purpose of life, nor liberty nor the legitimate pursuits of happiness. Name me a socialist nation that succeeded by any standards of reasonal notion. Go ahead, try. and then ask if 'healing' is what's called for.

(3)
Michal,
November 11, 2012 3:40 PM

If someone wants to kill me, he is my enemy...

...and everyone who helps him, is my enemy too. When it comes for instance to Arabs and Israel, and I know they all the time want to murder me, I can not find a common ground, nor could I be nice and kind. - In my childhood there was Hitler. He was a murderer also. Could I find a common ground with him and with those who helped him? Do I feel the slightest wish inside me to understand a Hammas-terrorist, so that he could explain to me all the reasons that make him think, why he must kill me? No, there is no such wish. And then there are those who help those terrorists with millions of Dollars. One of them is President Obama. How can anyone ask me, to like him?! Understand him - of course. He was brought up as a Muslim in Indonesia.
So I understand that he prefers to visit Egypt and Saudi.Arabia instead of coming to Israel.
For me it would be much easier to fight about the way we should light Channuka candles... Inside Israel, I agree with you, there they should talk with each other in order to understand, why the other one is secular, while I am religious. But even here it stops at the very moment, my "opponent" is in any way helping my enemies, Israels enemies. I love Shalom. But I do not love the Shalom of a graveyard. So, when it comes to life and death, the world for me is "black and white".
That peace and harmony are nicer, about that there is no question.

(2)
Joseph Apicella,
November 11, 2012 2:27 PM

Great article for Non-Jew to read

I went to a very conservative website (Christian)- they had certain non-negotionables for picking a canidate. They admitted that most of their members considered the non-negotionable- negotionable. I like your viewpoint Rabbi. Not to say there are no absolutes-but not in this election.

(1)
Darren,
November 11, 2012 12:37 PM

America has lost its way.

Sounds very nice but this article doesn't reflect the reality.There article says, "Only the most arrogant among us believe they are the exclusive guardians of truth in every facet.". In many cases this is true, however, in many other cases, truth is exclusive to one position. Sometimes there are not two ways of looking at things. Some times one side does in fact hold the truth. When Avraham said that there is only one God and all the other nations were worshipping sticks and stones.. are you going to say that we we weren't the sole guardians of truth? Heres a modern day example.many on the Left think that Israel is an apartheid state, any one with just a basic knowledge of Apartheid South Africa and Israel knows that this is a false libel used to deligitimise the state of Israel. So say that there is merit in the this point of view is absurd, the same is true with respect to many other Left/Right positions, many of them cannot be true or valid at the same time. In many instances there is no common ground for compromise. The election of Obama is a disaster. America has lost its way. America is following Europe into the abyss. Its a disgrace that so many Jews have supported this and turned their back on Israel. Shame on American Jews. you have let us all down (the jews in Israel and in the rest of the world)

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

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